Perking up the Pico

FALLBROOK – It’s been said “it takes a village,” and Save Our Forest (SOF) is here to echo that with an emphatic “indeed it does.” The four block walkway in the heart of Fallbrook, from Fallbrook Street to Elder Street, provides a pleasant shaded walk for many residents for leisurely walks, walking the dog, walking to the shopping center, and meeting friends for a stroll.

Changes to the drainage ditch actually began when SOF planted almost 100 trees in 1997, when the trees were donated by a nearby developer from surplus stock for their new development. At that point, nearby merchants such as Brad Urquhart of Fallbrook Fertilizer, Kirk Hampton of Fallbrook Muffler and Rick Windbigler of Fallbrook Equipment Rentals allowed a connection to their water source to get the trees started.

Planted on the edge of a waterway, the trees tapped into underground water within a few years, thus ending the need for deep watering. The waterway was lined on both sides with trees, nothing more. Then Vince Ross of the Fallbrook Village Association acquired a County Community Enhancement Grant to create a meandering, stabilized, DG pathway edged with curbing for a smooth walking path that would accommodate wheelchairs.

When the Fallbrook Beautification Alliance (FBA)came into being, they offered support for the path by helping SOF fund professional tree care. FBA created a striking Sonora Desert entry to the Fallbrook Street entrance to match Fallbrook Fertilizer’s plantings immediately adjacent. Jean Dooley and helpers pick up trash on the path weekly from the planted areas and the water way, also emptying trash cans to boot. Shirley Fender, FBA’s graffiti fighter, helps with removal there as well as all over the community.

SOF has continued its stewardship of the trees since the beginning by pruning and caring for the plantings, which are mostly native plants. As an added benefit, these drought tolerant plants help make folks aware of how they can fit into home gardens. Currently Fallbrook Garden club members adopt a block to help with weeding and native plant care.

After years of ups and downs on the Pico, a SDG&E grant, Environmental Champions, was awarded to The Boys’ and Girls Club partnering with SOF to breathe new life into the plantings along the path. Meeting every Monday for two six week sessions, this Junior Urban Forestry program encourages local young people working to beautify their community.

They have cleared weeds, planted native plants which include black sage, bush monkey flower, pink monkey flower, native coral bells, margarita bop and heart leafed penstemon, bee’s bliss, a creeping sage, and lemonade berry. Major Market, a major community supporter, has provided refreshment every work day for the students who participate.

The original goals are not forgotten, but for now this pleasant four block path is a great place to stroll, enjoy the resident mallard ducks and white egrets who frequent the stream.